Lyricist Khawaja Pervaiz remembered on death anniversary

Writer of classics such as ‘Sanu Ik Pal’ remembered during prayer ceremony

LAHORE: When one tries to recall some of the most noteworthy lyricists of the Pakistani film industry, only a handful of names come to mind. But the one that tops the list is that of Khawaja Parvaiz.

Unfortunately the modern listener is forced to endure vulgar songs with meaningless lyrics, sugar-coated with upbeat music that is passed off as ‘entertaining’.

However, an era did exist where quality music was being produced, when writers would pour out their hearts and thoughts on paper to create verses that a listener could actually relate to and remember for years to come.

Parvaiz was indeed the saving grace of an industry that fell too hard and too fast after its patrons left forever. His fifth death anniversary was observed in Lahore on June 20.

The late writer was remembered for his contributions to the film industry, and for filling up lives with melody at an event organised in the Gawalmandi area of the city. Prominent personalities associated with the silver screen paid tribute to the legend who passed away in 2011 due to a heart attack.



Humaira Arshad, Shahida Mini, Saira Naseem, Ejaz Kamran Chaudhry, Durdana Rehman and Wajahat Attray were among the attendees at the event.

“Pervaiz dedicated his life and all his efforts to this industry,” said Shahida. “He is the ideal source of inspiration for songwriters and singers today. I believe the government should honour him post-humously.”

Attray echoed her opinions and reminisced times he spent with his late friend. “He was an asset of our country. We enjoyed a long association and friendship and I bear witness to the fact that Parvaiz was enriched with creativity and talent,” the music director said.

Songs penned by Parvaiz were brought to life by notable singers including Madam Noor Jahan, Ahmed Rushdi, Mehdi Hassan, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Nayyara Noor, Runa Laila, Masood Rana, Naheed Akhtar and Mala, among others. The late icon has over 8,000 songs to his credit, among which are popular tracks including Sonay Di Taveetri, Sun Ve Balori, Pyar Bharay Dou Sharmeelay Nain, Tumhi Ho Mehboob Meray and Mahi Away Ga Mei Phullan Naal Dharti Sajawan Gi.

He also composed the verses of some of the songs featured in Nusrat’s debut album, such as Sanu Ik Pal and Kissay Da Yaar.

The impact of these songs on the industry is such that even the younger generation is aware of these hits.

Bubloo Butt, Parvaiz’s son, shared his plans of establishing a library in his father’s memory at Lakhsmi Chowk. “We arrange Quran khawani every year to remember him on his death anniversary. Showbiz personalities are also invited to share their thoughts about him,” he said. “We have been trying to build a library in the city as well so that aspiring writers and singers can get benefit from his work.”

The efforts of majority of the so-called song-writers of today will continue to fall through the cracks unless they learn from the work of Parvaiz. It takes more than just a racy video with a scantily-clad woman to make classics that survive through the decades.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 21^st, 2016.

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